OEM Shock Replacement suggestions - Daily Driver

[Jungoes]

I've been searching through the plethora of lift threads and suspension upgrades for stock shock replacement suggestions.

I am looking for a good replacement for the stock shocks. I have zero intentions of ever lifting or doing any spring upgrades. Truck is a daily driver and intend to keep it stock and reliable as it has been.

Can anyone recommend a good replacement for the stock shocks?

I am considering the Napa Response or the Bilstein 4600's

Any experience or comments with both ( or other suggestions) appreciated.

 

[absalom]

OEM Tokicos, may as well do new OEM coils while you’re at it. The lift info thread in my signature should give you all the details you need.

These trucks are rediculously capable in stock form, you’ll be very pleased with new Toyota components.

 

[mtbtim]

Bilstein 4600's are a good choice. I run them on my 2000. If you're inclined to do the job yourself, the video below will help you out. You can rent spring compressors at many auto parts stores. O'Reilly for sure rents them for free.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0HJx6HH2yno" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Renegade_Medic]

I have 5100s on my lifted 4runner and I put 4600s on my moms's DD 4runner. I know you don't really want any lift, but the Moog 80188 and 81041 springs are for a 99, which are about an inch taller. They can be had for roughly $100 for all 4 springs. If you are going through the trouble (and expense) of doing the shocks, springs wouldn't be a bad idea. Every stock spring on every single 3rd gen out there is blown, I guarantee it. The new springs will settle a bit after a couple weeks, but they will still be springier than the stock springs you have on now (if they are still original). The reason behind that is that they are a little taller and are still fresh, so they will compress further before hitting the bump stops, which is what results in a terrible ride.

The Moog springs ride well with the 4600s and it gives it a nice sporty feel and handles bumps surprisingly well. It actually rides better than my lifted 4runner on 5100 shocks. I would highly recommend going that route.

 

[absalom]

And if you don't feel like poking your eyes out with a spring compressor

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkVLBOnAifc

 

[Renegade_Medic]

And if you don't feel like poking your eyes out with a spring compressor

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkVLBOnAifc

I've tried this a couple times and have never been able to get it to work for me.

 

[LittleCaesar]

I second the Bilstein 4600s though if you never want a lift, the Tokicos work well.

How are the springs in general? Good or rough shape?

 

[Jungoes]

I have 5100s on my lifted 4runner and I put 4600s on my moms's DD 4runner. I know you don't really want any lift, but the Moog 80188 and 81041 springs are for a 99, which are about an inch taller. They can be had for roughly $100 for all 4 springs. If you are going through the trouble (and expense) of doing the shocks, springs wouldn't be a bad idea. Every stock spring on every single 3rd gen out there is blown, I guarantee it. The new springs will settle a bit after a couple weeks, but they will still be springier than the stock springs you have on now (if they are still original). The reason behind that is that they are a little taller and are still fresh, so they will compress further before hitting the bump stops, which is what results in a terrible ride.

The Moog springs ride well with the 4600s and it gives it a nice sporty feel and handles bumps surprisingly well. It actually rides better than my lifted 4runner on 5100 shocks. I would highly recommend going that route.

This sounds very tempting, The current springs seems fine, no sagging and the ride is fairly smooth, bit rough when hitting bumps, and the truck rolls around corners and i get vibration / steering shake at 100-110km/h that's not from wheel balance.

I did some drop tests with a jack and the truck bounces about 1.5- 2 times before coming to rest so it seems the damping is gone in these stock shocks.

Also get a gradual vibration that develops when going downhill and braking.
Its not brake related- did the TBU upgrade and zero vibration when braking on straight sections. Also get a bit more front end dive when braking.

Trying to avoid changing the ride height as I don't want to develop any CV joint issues due to the change in angle associated with any lift.

My vehicle is a 2000 Limited so will those spring part numbers work?

The 4600's are more than 2 x the cost of the Napa shocks alone so that's my toss up right now.

 

[phattyduck]

My vehicle is a 2000 Limited so will those spring part numbers work?

The 4600's are more than 2 x the cost of the Napa shocks alone so that's my toss up right now.

The taller Moog springs are still 'stock' height for a '99 4Runner and won't cause CV/driveline problems. I personally wouldn't really trust them though (there are reports of premature sagging). If you are happy at your current ride height and weight capacity, just keep your current springs.

As for shocks without a lift... Go OEM or Bilstein 4600. The 4600's are a bit stiffer, but I would describe it as controlled, not stiff. They won't last as long as OEM. Any other parts store shocks may work for a while, but will wear out faster - the Bilstein or OEM options will actually be cheaper in the long run. Buy once, cry once, as they say.

-Charlie

 

[mtbtim]

And if you don't feel like poking your eyes out with a spring compressor

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkVLBOnAifc

Interesting way to do it. Spring compressors are perfectly safe if you know what you're doing. The first time I used them, I compressed the springs using a regular ratchet and socket and it was a workout. Now that I have a cordless impact, I use that. Tighten them evenly and you'll be golden.

 

[absalom]

I've tried this a couple times and have never been able to get it to work for me.

What part did you get stuck on?

Interesting way to do it. Spring compressors are perfectly safe if you know what you're doing. The first time I used them, I compressed the springs using a regular ratchet and socket and it was a workout. Now that I have a cordless impact, I use that. Tighten them evenly and you'll be golden.

I agree completely, and also would say that they have an undeserved reputation of being unsafe. That being said, I believe the LCA method to be the more efficient and first timer-friendly alternative. I would love to hear your thoughts should you ever have a chance to try.

 

[T4R2014]

Store brand shocks are usually china crap. If you're desperate to save a few bucks then get KYBs. At least that's a name brand. If the coils aren't saggy then just leave them. No need for an extra 1 inch of lift from 99 coils.

 

[spartacus]

The video seems like a lot more involved then just replacing the spring over shock assembly. specially for first timers. spring compressors are safe for most folks but for a first timer I would recommend watching videos and if possible have someone around to walk you through the process for the first time.Also you can have a local shop do it for a few dollars. There is potential for injury and accidents do happen to the best of us.

edit: you can't go wrong with bilstein HD 4600 all around and oem 99 springs all around. moog springs are a good quality but seem to give out sooner so lack longevity

 

[Vansnxtweek]

Ive got some KYBs that I only had on the rear for less than a year now that I've put my lift on. I had the same issues, it was bouncy as all get out. These rode quite well, I was impressed. You can have them for the cost of shipping them if you'd like. They truly are about new. If not, I'd still recommend them. They worked well.


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[firemanj92]

This sounds very tempting, The current springs seems fine, no sagging and the ride is fairly smooth, bit rough when hitting bumps, and the truck rolls around corners and i get vibration / steering shake at 100-110km/h that's not from wheel balance.

I did some drop tests with a jack and the truck bounces about 1.5- 2 times before coming to rest so it seems the damping is gone in these stock shocks.

Also get a gradual vibration that develops when going downhill and braking.
Its not brake related- did the TBU upgrade and zero vibration when braking on straight sections. Also get a bit more front end dive when braking.

Trying to avoid changing the ride height as I don't want to develop any CV joint issues due to the change in angle associated with any lift.

My vehicle is a 2000 Limited so will those spring part numbers work?

The 4600's are more than 2 x the cost of the Napa shocks alone so that's my toss up right now.

Avoid Monroes they are horrible. KYBs are just as inexpensive as the Napa's but worlds better. If I had to guess, I would think the Napa's are Monroes.

-J

 

[yella]

KYB gas a just and MOOG springs. Very budget friendly and rides nice. Rockauto carries everything.


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[mtbtim]

The video seems like a lot more involved then just replacing the spring over shock assembly. specially for first timers. spring compressors are safe for most folks but for a first timer I would recommend watching videos and if possible have someone around to walk you through the process for the first time.Also you can have a local shop do it for a few dollars. There is potential for injury and accidents do happen to the best of us.

edit: you can't go wrong with bilstein HD 4600 all around and oem 99 springs all around. moog springs are a good quality but seem to give out sooner so lack longevity

The video covers everything the OP needs to get the shocks replaced. It's not just dealing with the front coilovers. I'm guessing he's going to upgrade the rear shocks as well. For anyone that's replaced the rears, they are a pain in the butt so giving the OP tips for the replacement will be useful to him.

I'm going to let you and anyone else reading this thread in on something. Probably 95% of the videos [MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] and I have made were us doing the job for the FIRST time. A beginner can handle this. All you need is the Right Information, Right Tools and Right Level of Patience to handle most automotive work.

As for farming out the coilovers to a shop to do for you, I guess it depends where you're from. My girlfriend needed her struts replaced on her BMW. It was my experience after calling different shops in my area that lead me to rent spring compressors and do it myself. One shop wanted to charge me over $200 to replace the struts and that was me bringing them the struts off the vehicle.

You're only as helpless as you let yourself be. This is the whole reason [MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] and I make videos, to empower people to handle their own automotive work.

 

[spartacus]

The video covers everything the OP needs to get the shocks replaced. It's not just dealing with the front coilovers. I'm guessing he's going to upgrade the rear shocks as well. For anyone that's replaced the rears, they are a pain in the butt so giving the OP tips for the replacement will be useful to him.

I'm going to let you and anyone else reading this thread in on something. Probably 95% of the videos [MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] and I have made were us doing the job for the FIRST time. A beginner can handle this. All you need is the Right Information, Right Tools and Right Level of Patience to handle most automotive work.

As for farming out the coilovers to a shop to do for you, I guess it depends where you're from. My girlfriend needed her struts replaced on her BMW. It was my experience after calling different shops in my area that lead me to rent spring compressors and do it myself. One shop wanted to charge me over $200 to replace the struts and that was me bringing them the struts off the vehicle.

You're only as helpless as you let yourself be. This is the whole reason [MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] and I make videos, to empower people to handle their own automotive work.

the video in the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkVLBOnAifc is what I was referring to I don't quiet know if you are referring to the same. As far as you and [MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] making videos that's good and I am sure you do your research get the right tools before you do the job. I've recommended your videos because I like the way you explain the process and self correct. empowering people is good what I would disagree with is "You're only as helpless as you let yourself be". you are making a general statement that implies everyone who cannot for one reason or another is helpless. I for one dont go judging others and let people choose how, when and why. What I am capable of I know and I cannot assume about others.

 

[mtbtim]

"You're only as helpless as you let yourself be"

I guess you were referencing the other video. The quote, "You're only as helpless as you let yourself be" is about not selling yourself short. You don't need a friend or mechanic to help you do this. You just have to work smart, respect the stored power in the compressed springs and have some faith in yourself. If somebody would rather pay someone to do this job for them, I have no judgement really. Some people have more money than time. Sometimes people don't want to invest in the needed tools. Some people are not physically capable. What I'm trying to say is don't let Auto Mechanics intimidate you. Anyone can do this if they're willing to learn.

 

[SaveAWells]

I put the Bilstein 4600s and Moog 81041s on the rear of my '98 a few months ago. Fixed the rear sag I had going on and made for a much better ride over the blown ones I replaced. Would definitely recommend them anytime. The rear springs are easy enough to replace on their own so I didn't mind going a little cheaper but I heard that top nut on the rear shocks were a PITA to get off so I decided to go with higher quality ones so I wouldn't have to repeat that process as often. And boy was I glad I did! Amazon's price on the Bilstein's wasn't too bad either.